The Constitution of The South African Dermatology Physician Assistants Society
- Name
- Its name shall be The South African Dermatology Physician Assistants Society (SADPAS) (hereinafter called “the society”).
- The society is a subgroup of The Dermatology Society of South Africa (DSSA), an association incorporated under section 21 of The Companies Act.
- Dermatology physician assistants are defined as professionals who work with dermatologists to care for dermatological patients and have direct patient contact.
- The objectives of the society are to provide:
- Continuing education and proficiency training
- Networking opportunities with fellow members and with Dermatology Physician Assistants Societies globally.
- Hands-on meetings and workshops
- Updates on the latest developments in dermatology and aesthetics
- Best practices to optimize patient care
- Annual congresses running in parallel with the DSSA congress
- Regional meetings
- Answers to frequently-asked questions
- Quarterly journals
- Accreditation as a long-term goal
- Criteria for membership
- Candidates for membership need to be proposed in writing by the dermatologist with whom they work and the application form needs to be submitted to the secretary or treasurer of the society.
- Those eligible for membership include qualified skincare therapists, medical technologists, registered nurses, practice managers and medical receptionists.
- Control
- The general control and direction of the policy and affairs of the society shall be vested in the executive committee, provided that they are not in conflict with the general policy and rules of the DSSA.
- Founder Member & Founder President shall hold office indefinitely as an Honorary Membership. Such member will be permitted to attend executive committee meetings and will be entitled to vote, to be on the executive committee and a member of any of the society sub-committees.
- The executive committee shall hold office for 2 years and shall consist of a chairman, an immediate past-chairman, an honorary secretary and an honorary treasurer as well as an appointed member of the executive committee of the DSSA. The election of the members of the executive committee shall be by popular vote at the annual general meeting of the society. Should an office-bearer resign during his/her term of office, the executive committee May fill such vacancy by co-opting any eligible member of the society. The executive committee has the right to co-opt such additional members to the committee as it sees fit.
- The honorary secretary may call for postal nominations for a new executive committee. Notice of the election and a request for nominations shall be dispatched at least 21 days before the annual general meeting. Each nomination must be referred to the honorary secretary and must be signed by the proposer, the seconder and the candidate. The proposer and seconder must be fully paid-up members of the society. The closing time for nominations shall be at noon on the day of the annual general meeting.
- The honorary secretary shall keep records of all meetings of the society and of its executive committee, conduct all correspondence concerning the affairs of the society and submit an annual report to the secretary of the DSSA to be presented at its annual general meeting.
- The honorary treasurer shall receive all money due to the society, make all disbursement authorized by the executive committee and submit audited financial statements to the treasurer of the DSSA to be presented at its annual general meeting.
- Should there be no annual general meeting in an election year, the executive committee shall continue in office until the following annual general meeting.
- Meetings
- The annual general meeting of the society shall be held on a date determined by the executive committee.
- 20% of the society’s voting membership is required to form a quorum at any meeting. For meetings of the executive committee, 3 members shall form a quorum.
- Voting shall be by show of hands or secret ballot unless specifically otherwise requested by a member of good standing.
- An ordinary majority will suffice for voting on any matter except the changing of the constitution, when a 2 thirds majority will be required.
- Voting by proxy will be allowed provided such proxy is duly signed by the member and 2 witnesses. Such proxies must be handed to the secretary before any vote is called.
- Subscriptions
- An annual subscription shall be payable by the members of the society to provide funds for the execution of the work of the society.
- The executive committee will determine the amount of the subscription.
- The executive committee may also impose once-off special levies at its discretion.
- Annual Reports
- The chairman shall submit a report to the annual general meeting of the society.
- The treasurer shall submit audited financial statements to the annual general meeting of the society.
- A copy of these reports shall be sent to the executive committee of the DSSA to be presented at its annual general meeting.
- Congresses
- The executive committee of the society may organise congresses.
- The executive committee may co-opt other members to serve on the organizing committee.
- Any profit accruing from such a congress shall be paid over to the treasurer of the society within 2 months after conclusion of congress activity.
- Fundraising. The society may raise funds, provided that:
- No profits or gains shall be paid to any person.
- All funds shall be utilized exclusively for the advancement of the objectives for which the society was established.
- Funds available for investment shall be invested exclusively with registered financial institutions and in shares listed on a licensed stock exchange.
- Dedicated books of account be maintained in accordance with accepted accounting procedures.
- All books of account and audited financial statements be inspected by a chartered accountant annually.
- Dissolution. In the event of the dissolution of the society, any remaining assets after all debts have been settled and all obligations met, shall be transferred to the DSSA.